#Japan #Tokyo #Diana Sato #Taku Nakamura #Hong Kong Drama

Premiere of 'Hong Kong's Diana'

The much-anticipated film, 'Hong Kong's Diana' (香港來的Diana), will make its debut in Japan starting May 24, 2025, at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa. This film has gained immense recognition, being screened at 13 international film festivals across the globe and winning a total of 36 awards in 2024. Directed, produced, written, shot, and edited independently by Naoki Fujimoto, the movie was crafted on a shoestring budget of just 500,000 yen.

The Story and Cast

At the heart of this documentary drama is Diana Sato, a 41-year-old woman from Hong Kong who relocates to Tokyo with her eight-year-old son, Eiji. In order to secure a brighter future for her son, she starts a Chinese conversation class. Among the students is Taku Nakamura, a 35-year-old Japanese who represents the 'lost generation' struggling to find their footing in a challenging job market. The interactions between Diana and Taku serve as a bridge between the two cultures, highlighting the shared complications both their societies face.

Capturing Reality in Film

The film captures the real-life events of the Hong Kong democracy protests from 2019 to 2020, showcasing the crumbling of the 'one country, two systems' principle and connecting it with Japan's own economic struggles faced by the 'lost generation.' The film's tagline, "Hong Kong People and Japanese - Their Realities," speaks volumes about its intent to present these pressing social issues.

The Vision Behind the Film

Fujimoto intended this film to tackle themes that mainstream cinema often shies away from. He expresses a significant concern regarding the globalization of political oppression and civil liberties. Through the protagonist's journey, Fujimoto raises crucial questions about the implications of state control over freedom of speech and expression, drawing parallels between the events in Hong Kong and the historical contexts of Japan and contemporary Russia.

It's important to note that the film is currently banned in China and Hong Kong, making its release in Japan an especially noteworthy event.

Additional Details

• - Runtime: 84 minutes
• - Languages: Japanese and Cantonese, with Japanese and English subtitles
• - Sound: Stereo
• - Original Format: DCP 2K Flat (Apple ProRes422 HQ)

Screening Details

The film will be screened from May 24 to May 30, 2025, at Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa, where more details on showtimes will be released approximately one week before the premiere.

Venue Information:
Ikebukuro Cinema Rosa
1-37-12 Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0021
Official Website

Director's Message

Fujimoto shares his experience of creating this films, emphasizing that the themes are pivotal for understanding the relationship between freedom, oppression, and civil rights. He hopes viewers will engage deeply with the cinematic narrative and reflect on these timely issues.

With its unique perspective and poignant storyline, 'Hong Kong's Diana' promises to be a striking addition to the cinematic landscape and a catalyst for important discussions.

Awards and Recognition

With its critical acclaim, the film has already secured numerous awards at international festivals, including Best Documentary at the ARFF Amsterdam International Awards and the Best Indie Film at the Cineplay International Film Festival, where it continues to garner attention for its authentic portrayal and significant message.